Near-Field Probe for High-Temperature Sensing via Optical Waveguide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing near-field probes face challenges in efficiently extracting near-field thermal emission to the far-field, particularly in high temperature applications above 500°C, due to limitations in optical fiber device fabrication and robustness.

Innovation Solution

The development of a near-field probe compatible with near-infrared electromagnetic radiation and high temperature applications, featuring an optical waveguide integrated with a photonic thermal emitting structure comprising a near-field thermally emissive material. This structure is designed to emit near-field energy responsive to environmental parameters and couple it into guided modes of the optical waveguide for extraction to the far-field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrical-based sensors are used in high temperature applications, then sensing capability is provided, but stability deteriorates above 500°C

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor stabilityVSAvoidoperating temperature limit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical-based sensing systems with optical waveguide-based sensing systems. The optical near-field probe uses evanescent wave coupling to detect thermal emission spectra, eliminating the instability issues of electrical sensors at high temperatures above 500°C while maintaining sensing capability through optical detection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If optical fiber device fabrication is simplified, then ease of manufacture improves, but near-field thermal emission extraction capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical fiber fabricationVSAvoidnear-field thermal emission extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized photonic thermal emitting structure at the tip region of the optical waveguide, while the bulk of the waveguide maintains standard optical fiber properties. This localized structuring enables efficient near-field thermal emission extraction without requiring complex fabrication throughout the entire optical fiber, thus balancing ease of manufacture with extraction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If near-field thermal emission extraction efficiency is improved, then energy harvesting capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensing and energy harvesting functions into a single integrated optical near-field probe structure. The photonic thermal emitting structure serves dual purposes: enabling near-field thermal emission extraction for sensing applications and facilitating energy harvesting. This consolidation improves productivity by providing multiple functions from one device while avoiding the increased complexity that would result from separate sensing and energy harvesting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution enables efficient extraction of near-field thermal emission to the far-field, facilitating high temperature sensing and energy harvesting applications. The integration of a high-index optical waveguide with a photonic thermal emitting structure enhances the capability to quantify environmental parameters and optimize thermal emission.

Implementation Method 1

a photonic thermal emitting structure comprising a near-field thermally emissive material coupled to or part of the optical waveguide. The photonic thermal emitting structure is structured and configured to emit near-field energy responsive to at least one environmental parameter of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the near-field probe is structured and configured to enable extraction of the near-field energy to a far-field by coupling the near-field energy into one or more guided modes of the optical waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvanescent wave coupling: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS12292327B2High temperature near-field probe for sensing and energy harvesting applications based upon thermal emission

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIV

AI summary

A near-field probe (and associated method) compatible with near-infrared electromagnetic radiation and high temperature applications above 300° C. (or 500° C. in some applications) includes an optical waveguide and a photonic thermal emitting structure comprising a near-field thermally emissive material coupled to or part of the optical waveguide. The photonic thermal emitting structure is structured and configured to emit near-field energy responsive to at least one environmental parameter of interest, and the near-field probe is structured and configured to enable extraction of the near-field energy to a far-field by coupling the near-field energy into one or more guided modes of the optical waveguide.